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Sunday, 31 December 2017

Six people feared dead in seaplane crash in Australia's Hawkesbury River

Six people have died after a seaplane crashed into a river in Australia some 30 miles (50km) north of Sydney.

The crash happened on the Hawkesbury River near the suburb of Cowan.

Police divers have recovered six bodies from the wreckage, which is lying in 13m (43ft) of water.

Unconfirmed reports say the casualties included an 11-year-old boy, the pilot and four British nationals. The single-engine aircraft belonged to sightseeing flight company Sydney Seaplanes.

Investigators do not yet know why the plane crashed.

Acting Superintendent Michael Gorman said the "recovery operation continues" at the site where the single-engine aircraft crashed.

The British Foreign Office said: "Officials from the British consulate are in contact with local authorities in relation to a seaplane accident near Sydney. Staff are ready to provide consular assistance."